Colon dialogue stalled over detainee issues

The attempt at dialogue between the government of Panama and representatives of a broad swathe of business, community and worker interests is grinding to a halt.

The Colon Broad Front  (FAC) leader Felipe Cabeza said Saturday. November 17, that the group will not participate in continued dialogue with the government until detainees who were arrested during recent protests in the city are released.

 Of the six people who are still detained in Colón, five are being held under precautionary measures while the sixth faces gun possession charges.

There are also 21 people jailed in Panama City, most of them from the construction workers union Suntracs.

 The Colón Chamber of Commerce held its own meeting on Saturday  to bring people together to discuss possible solutions to the city's problems. The meeting was chaired by Alternate Legislator Julio Luque.